Essex Congregational Remembrancer Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, I. THE CHRISTIAN'S DUTY. Every person familiar with the Bible knows that the term walking, applied to the Christian, signifies his habitual temper and deportment. The word here rendered "circumspectly," in the original Scriptures suggests rather the term "accurately," agreeable to a prescribed rule; and the translators of the Bible have adopted the word "circumspectly," inasmuch as no one can walk accurately, or correctly, without looking about him, and carefully too. It is the part of fools to be heedless, taking their steps without care, insensible of their danger. 1. Christians should walk judiciously; impelled by principle rather than by feeling. 2. Christians should walk correctly or accurately according to the prescribed rule. 3. Christians should walk prudently, mindful of consequences. 4. Christians should advance cautiously, apprehensive of danger, and guarding against it. 5. Christians should walk diligently, improving every favourable opportunity. II. THE ARGUMENTS WHICH ENFORCE IT. 1. We plead the obligations of a religious profession. Many, indeed, are called Christians, but we refer to those who profess themselves not merely nominal but real Christians. 2. The solemn and express engagements into which many have voluntarily entered, present a second argument. Surely, Christians, your own acts must be binding. 3. The anxiety Christians must feel for the credit of religion, and for the honour of the Saviour, is a most powerful motive urging them to greater circumspection. 4. A regard to his relative usefulness is another consideration urging the Christian to greater watchfulness. 5. The positive injury to others, which invariably results from a flagrantly inconsistent profession of religion. 6. We urge upon the Christian, as a final motive to greater circumspection, a due regard to his own personal interests. His peace, his comfort, and even his safety are alike involved in it. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,WEB: Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; |
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